PunchesInBunches

Mayweather wants legacy not title

2010-04-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

I was shocked when I heard that Floyd Mayweather Jr had refused to pay the WBA sanctioning fee for his battle with Shane Mosley on May 1st in Vegas. I thought it had everything it needed to be one of the greatest fights of all time, and now its all about 'legacies'.

So Mayweather wins he adds Mosley to his long list of achievements and if Mosley loses he gets to defend his title against the next challenger, with another big pay day I might add. So you could call it a win win situation for Shane.

Certain rumours around the sport is that Mayweather is in some financial difficulties at the moment and has been told to curve his spending after he was hit with an estimated tax bill of $5.6million and considered he took 18 months off the expenditure was greater than his income, I find this hard to believe as he paid it off in full with no appeal but whether its true or not, Floyd has never been a WBA champion at any of the 5 weights he has dominated and we all the know the WBA and WBC are the gold at the end of the boxing rainbow.

Mayweather said " I did not want to fight for the WBA title, At this point its all about enhancing my legacy".

May 1st Vegas
Live on Sky Sports

Kessler Captures the Cobra's belt

2010-04-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Viking Warrior Mikkel Kessler beat Carl Froch with a unanimous points decision in Herning Denmark last night with what could be a contender for fight of the year and captured the WBC Super-Middleweight title.

The Super 6 has been dis-credited by alot of people associated with the sport but what a cracker this was and the credit goes to the organisers and the fighters, Kessler and Froch put on one hell of a show last night.

Kessler dominated the rounds 1-5 putting Froch on the back foot and his work rate was double that of the champion. Froch clawed his way back in rounds 6, 7, and 8 but Kessler matched him round for round in 9, 10 and 11 and 12 was the unbelievable toe-to-toe action you wont have seen since the Corales / Castillo fights. Gripping action which left both men badly cut and bleeding heavily. Froch was hit with some telling shots and showed his chin is made of titanium as he never looked like dropping but his head movement and low guard made him look vulnerable and sloppy.

Froch blamed the decision afterwards on the biased Denmark crowd but it was more down to the fact that Kessler is the best opponent he has ever fought and he couldn't dictate the fight like he could against some of the spoon fed fighters he has faced in Nottingham, real world champions can fight in any country and under any pressure and I would advise Carl Froch to go back to the drawing board because Arthur Abraham won't be a push over and was in the crowd last night to see all Froch's weaknesses.

Kessler was a true gent in the ring wishing Froch and partner best wishes on the news that she is pregnant. Was fun to see Peter Schmeichal as the commentator too.

Looks as if Joe Clazaghe was right all along and that Froch wasn't worth fighting as he couldnt' beat a man he ripped apart in 12 rounds. Froch clearly isn't in the same league as Calzaghe and probably won't even be if he triumphs and wins the Super 6.

Edwin Valero - Murder and Suicide

2010-04-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Edwin Valero has committed suicide by hanging himself while on remand. Inmates claim he took his own life by tieing his clothing together and hanging himself from his cell ceiling.

Valero had been detained by police after he admitted to killing his wife Jennifer, stabbing her 3 times in a hotel in Valencia. Valero still showed signs of life but the doctors were unable to revive him.

He was on the road to greatness but he self destructed. He was a ring general and had 27 successive KO victories and was on the verge of hitting the big time, even being touted to step up and face the winner of Mosley vs Mayweather.

Thoughts and Prayers to Jennifer Valero's family.

Martinez, He Saw, He Stepped Up, He Conquered.

2010-04-18T03:43:00.000-07:00

Sergio Martinez stepped up from light middleweight, got up off the canvas to claim a unanimous points decision over WBO and WBC champion Kelly 'The Ghost' Pavlik.

Martinez dominated the ring and threw more punches early on but ran out of ideas as Pavlik changed his game plan and started to dominate from round 5 onwards, by round 7 Martinez looked disorientated and was put down by some accurate punching from Pavlik, this was the kick up the ass he needed. Martinez showed heart and composure and began throwing more punches that seemed to land in the same place as he split Pavlik round both eyes, and was bleeding quite badly, but not enough for the doctors to intervene, which I guess is more to do with the politics of title fights as opposed to the fighters safety.
As the fight drew to a close, Martinez was landing shots working the damage to Pavliks eyes and the champion who suffered his first result looked like he was struggling to see let alone block punches the double lefts in particular which Martinez threw excellently.

Martinez became a two-weight champion with scores of 115-112, 115-111, 116 - 111.

Pavlik said "He wasn't hurting me or nothing, he was catching me with punches and it looked bad. There is nothing you can about that"

I expect a re-match within 6 months.

Wlad calls out Haye - Its on!

2010-04-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

Wladimir Klitchsko called out David Haye in a straight talking video post. Saying its time to make the fight happen and that the Hayemaker cant run forever.

I personally think that's a bit rich coming from a champion who missed out on fighting all the heavyweight greats of his generation and so far pays the bills of fighting mediocre lumps.

Haye on the other hand has only had a handful of heavyweight fights and has captured the WBA crown by defeating Valuev, who was dodged by both the Ukranian brothers I might add. Also defending his crown in style against veteran John Ruiz. Both his heavyweight bouts with Valuev and Ruiz have been bigger and better spectacles than anything the Klitchsko's have had in all the years they have carried their titles.

I must admit I wasn't a fan of Haye throughout his cruiserweight career but I am certainly warming to him now, especially after his self-criticism after the Ruiz defence were he looked genuinely disappointed at certain aspects of the fight where he claimed he got caught to much and was trading when he shouldn't have been.

Looking at the potential fight of Haye vs Wlad Klitchsko (which I have heard today is going to be Vegas bound) I think he has the greatest weapon of all in Adam Booth his manager/trainer. He equipped him beautifully for the Valuev fight and Haye seemed to be firing on all guns from the first bell up to were the fight finished, normally Haye has looked spent by the middle rounds and relies on his ability to drop bombs, he looked exciting and his accuracy was immense.

I don't think Haye will have anything to worry about fighting either of the Klitchsko's and if he gets Wlad first then it will suite him as Vitali is the more calculating and cunning brother, beat his younger sibling and straight away you have the upper hand. If this is a ploy to get Haye interested in the brothers and then for Wlad to pull out as Haye did through injury last time round and then Haye ends up fighting Vitali first he will need to watch every one of Vitali's fights and he will have to be more focused than ever but again if David is victorious then the advantage of then fighting Wlad will be that the younger Klitchsko who knows in his own head that the better brother has been beaten, he will be there for the taking.

It wont be easy and I don't expect for one minute that it will be an exciting affair but I hope it happens and this stage in the talks I am going to guess around September / October for the showdown and I hope Valuev who is contractually tied to a re-match with Haye will take step-a-side money and then get a shot at the winner, surely this would make sense as the purse fighter the winner of Klitchsko / Haye will be substantially greater than if the fight was to happen beforehand.

Vegas or Wembley would be ideal, and August as opposed to September would be better for the boxing calender.

A-Force 1

2010-04-09T15:29:00.001-07:00

Tonight I couldn't believe my eyes. Audley Harrison became the European Heavyweight Champion by beating Carl Sprott with the bomb of all bombs in the 12th round to stun the judges, crowd and more importantly me who thought his money had gone down the drain along with Audleys career as a professional heavyweight.

At 38 years of age and nearly 10 whole years since he captured Olympic gold in Sydney he has never fulfilled his full potential, along the way becoming something of a outcast as the public never really warmed to him. You cant blame the fans for that though, he talked the talk and never walked the walk, losing to the likes of Danny Williams and the famous KO he suffered from Sprott in their first encounter you could never see him trading with the likes of Klitchsko's, Arreolas and now David Haye (who he has taunted prior to his title fight).
He come out of the Olympics with a gold medal but went solo in his quest to be self managed and promoted which back fired big time leading him to move to Vegas were he spent more time in the casino's than the boxing ring, he had a war of words and finances with Frank Warren who is very good at what he does and Audley lost both as he became untouchable - as in no-one would fight him not that no-one could fight him.

Now operating out of California and putting in some decent performances more notably winning prizefighter on sky sports he landed a shot at the euro heavyweight title. Going into the fight as heavy favourite.

Sprott lost the first round as Harrison looked business, but round 2 saw Harrison take an uncomfy lean as though his shoulder jarred and from that Sprott took risks and forced Harrison on the back foot. Audley didn't look comfy when Sprott came forward pouncing to frequently into a hold or grapple. Sprott worked in flurry's and Harrison had no answer, Harrison showed hints of a decent heavyweight working his left hand, and in round 7 landed 7 or 8 unanswered shots but failed to capitalize and again had him throwing wildly and being countered. Into round 12 and Sprott was ahead by 5 rounds on my score card, they started to trade in the neutral corner Sprott dropped ready to unload and Audley landed a hammer from heaven right into the jaw and it was goodnight Sprott, sprawled on the canvas as both Harrison and his corner looked stunned.

Hats off Harrison was finished until he landed that blow, he showed heart and at times a glimmer of what he could do but he needs to co-ordinate his weapons instead of relying on his weak jab.

Haye vs Harrison I would just love to see.

De Gale ready to rumble?

2010-03-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Olympic champion James De Gale is going to fight against Sam Horton on May 15th at Upton Park, London for the WBA Interim Super-Middleweight after just 6 professional fights. Now De Gale hasn't been passed 4 rounds as a pro and they were easy victories as he hasn't fought anywhere near the Olympic level let alone the world level in which he is aiming for.

In all honesty I think Frank Warren will work his magic and develop De Gale like he did Amir Khan but like Khan I expect De Gale to suffer a loss and in style, like Khan against Prescott and like Naseem Hamed against Barrera, but I expect somewhere along the lines he will be a world champion.

So far all I have seen is De Gale spoon fed opponents and run his mouth about being a soldier and being ready, being ready isn't about Olympic gold (although I'm glad he did his country proud) its about having the heart and agility to win the crowd and win a world title and then once the prize is around his waist its about proving his worth and defending it, being knocked down and getting back up and fighting toe to toe for 12 rounds against true and worthy opposition, only then once he has bled and spilt blood will James De Gale be ready for the riggers of the world stage.
Beating his chest and kicking out his ghetto lingo won't win the crowd and wont win the respect champions deserve, take Ricky Hatton for example, he is no where near the best boxer on the world stage but he talks sense with alot of admiration for the sport and his opponents, very rarely does he become brash and hyped up and never will he be conceited.

Lets see if De Gale can cut it with the likes of Andre Dirrell, dance with Andre Ward, go toe to toe with Mikkel Kessler and maybe an all British battle with Carl Froch.

Good Luck for May 15th - chase the dream of becoming a champion, don't chase the money that comes with being a champion, it takes more to build a legacy than it does to destroy one.

Whether you like James De Gale, whether you dis-like him or whether you have no idea who he is, let me here you opinions and who you might like to see fight him in the not so distant future.

What a weekend!

2010-03-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Jamie McDonnell produced a major upset and took the European Bantamweight title with a cracking display against Jerome Arnold, stopping him in the 10th round in France. I like McDonnell he is a genuine fighter that just never seems to get the decision but he is a dedicated fighter who will take criticism and listen and learn from it, amongst other things he is down to earth and improves with every fight and that showed as he out-worked Arnold and landed some accurate shots that troubled his older more seasoned opponent and by the tenth Arnold had 2 options, survive the onslaught or knock McDonnell out, he failed to do either and as McDonnell rained down shots Arnold lost his gum shield which bought him little time and then he hit the canvas and that was his fight over. McDonnell will now be looking forward to his first defence. Well done Jamie.

Then we had Wladimir Klitschko defended his IBF, WBO and Ring Magazines heavyweight titles on the line against 'Fast' Eddie Chambers. Here we saw the defending champ knockout Chambers with a standard run of the mill left hook which hit the challenger on the top side of his head which sent him straight to the canvas and hanging through the ropes, there was only 5 seconds left on the clock in the 12th when the ref waved the fight over, Chambers was exhausted and beaten in each and every round.

Next we had the revenge match agreed for the European Heavyweight title between Michael Sprott and Audley Harrison, remember 2007 when Sprott landed that devastating uppercut which nearly took Audleys head off and left him sprawled out on the canvas and his career in tatters. Audley though threw caution to the wind and said if he wins he will chase down the Klitschko's and if he loses he will retire, a word to the wise Audley - you are not David Haye, so don't run before you can walk, if your successful and you can beat Sprott then enjoy being a champion and defend your belt, don't jump in the deep end and hope you can swim, you won prizefighter and won it well but 12 rounds at world level is a totally different ball game to 4 rounds against journeymen and has-beens. This fight will take place on April 9th.

Finally - Manny Pacquiao has dropped several hints that he is going to retire, firstly as he is up as front runner to become the new primeminister of the Phillipenes and secondly because his mother wants him too. This will no doubt disappoint his army of fans that want to see him fight Mayweather Jr but will send shock waves through the Mayweather camp and Golden Boy Promotions. Watch this space as this could be a master plan by Bob Arum who I think is trying to use reverse psychology in order to get the super-fight agreed before the years out as it will be the richest fight in history.

Boxing in mourning - Goodbye Harry.

2010-03-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Boxing mourns the loss of Harry Carpenter who passed away aged 84.

Started out as a reporter made famous through his distinctive voice and not forgetting Frank Bruno's heavyweight career and the memorable slogan 'know what I mean Harry'. Frank Bruno was too upset to comment today as the pair remained very close.

During Harry's glorious career he covered many sports such as Wimbledon, and the university boat race before becoming the BBC's number one commentator for boxing.

Harry was survived my a wife and son, our hearts go out to them as one of boxing's true gents has sadly left us.

Harry Carpenter
17th October 1925
-
20 March 2010

Greatest Fights of All Time - Lets Hear Yours?

2010-03-16T12:11:00.001-07:00

I have just been going through some of my old tapes thats right the good old VHS (remember when it was always your best videos that used to get chewed up by your Amstrad video player), anyway back to the main topic of the greatest fights of all time. Depending on the fan will depend on the fight, I really don't have a favourite so I compiled my own list of fights that will be remembered in history forever and I reckon you will enjoy them all. These are boxing classics -

WBC Lightweight Title Fight

Diego Corales vs Jose Luis Castillo I (May 7th 2005) - Possibly greatest battle in boxing.

IBF and IBO Welterweight Title Fight

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Zab Judah (April 8th 2006) - Low Blow, What Low Blow.

WBC and IBO Welterweight Title Fight

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Carlos Baldomir (November 4th 2006) - Best Entrance Ever.

WBC Light Welterweight Title Fight

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Arturo Gatti (June 25th 2005) - I Get by with a little help from the Ref

WBC Welterwight Title Fight

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Ricky Hatton (December 18th 2007) - Undefeated

WBC Super Featherweight Title Fight

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Diego Corrales (January 20th 2001) - I've got 5 on it (canvas)

WBC Super Featherweight Title Fight

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Carlos Hernandez (May 26th 2001) - See Floyds 1st and only knockdown (took a voluntary count for broken hand).

Micky Ward vs Arturo Gatti (May 18th 2002) - Rivals

Micky Ward vs Arturo Gatti II (November 23rd 2002) - Re-Match

Micky Ward vs Arturo Gatti III (June 7th 2003) - Friends (what a trilogy)

WBO and IBF Super-Middleweight Title Fight

Joe Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacy (March 4th 2006) - Ask Lacy what its like to be hit 1006 times.

WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF Middleweight Unification Fight

Bernard Hopkins vs Oscar De La Hoya (September 18th 2004) - De La Hoya lost his WBO title but earned over $30million - alright for some.

WBA, WBC and IBF Light-Welterweight Title Fight

Zab Judah vs Kostya Tszyu (November 3rd 2001) - Funniest KO of All Time

Heavyweight Boxing Championship of the World
Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier (October 1st 1975) - Thrilla in Manila

Heavyweight Boxing Championship of the World
George Foreman vs Muhammad Ali (October 30th 1974) - Rumble in the Jungle

IBF Heavyweight Title Fight

Mike Tyson vs Larry Holmes (January 22nd 1988) - Vintage Tyson

WBA, WBC and IBF Heavyweight Title Fight

Mike Tyson vs Michael Spinks (June 27th 1988) - More Vintage Tyson

WBA Heavyweight Title Fight

Evander Holyfield vs Mike Tyson (June 28th 1997) - Is that your ear Evander?

WBC Welterweight Title Fight

Roberto Duran vs 'Sugar' Ray Leonard (June 20th 1980) - Episode 1 - First Blood

WBC Welterweight Title Fight

'Sugar' Ray Leonard vs Roberto Duran (November 25th 1980) - Episode 2 - No Mas Fight

WBC Supermiddleweight Title Fight

'Sugar' Ray Leonard vs Roberto Duran (December 7th 1989) - Episode 3 - Last Stand

WBC, IBF and IBO Heavyweight Title Fight

Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson (June 8th 2002) - The Lennox Legacy

WBC, IBF and IBO Heavyweight Title Fight

Lennox Lewis vs Hasim Rahman (April 22nd 2001) - Least he can say he was a champion.

WBC and WBA Welterweight Title Fight

Thomas 'Hitman'Hearns vs 'Sugar' Ray Leonard (September 16th 1981) - Fight of Year 1981

WBC Middleweight Title Fight

'Sugar' Ray Leonard vs 'Marvellous' Marvin Hagler (April 6th 1987) - Styles make Fights

WBC and WBO Super Middleweight Title Fight

Thomas 'Hitman' Hearns vs 'Sugar' Ray Leonard (June 12th 1989) - Its not about getting knocked down, its about getting back up.

IBO Featherweight Title

Marco Antonio Barrera vs 'Prince' Naseem Hamed (April 7th 2001) - The Prince is dead, long lived the Prince.

Manny Pacquiao vs Marco Antonio Barrera (November 15th 2003)

Manny Pacquiao vs Marco Antonio Barrera II (October 6th 2007)

Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya (December 6th 2008) - End of the Golden Era

IBO Light Welterweight Title Fight

Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton (May 2nd 2009) - The Punch that Retired Hatton

WBA Welterweight Title Fight

'Sugar' Shane Mosley vs Antonio Margarito (January 24th 2009) - Who's past it?

These are some of my best fights, ones that kept me watching and firmly interested in the sport, I'd love this list to be extended so please comment and add your favourite fights, long or short, title or non-title bang them on here and lets start a debate on what could be the greatest fight of all time.

If you haven't seen any of the above you can buy from Amazon (what cant you buy on there) or view them on Youtube - be patient though as some of the older fights take a while to load up.

Kelly Pavlik - King without a Kingdom?

2010-03-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of Kelly 'The Ghost' Pavlik who has an impressive 36 - 1 record. I have watched all his fights since he destroyed Edison Miranda. (watch on youtube its a 5star thrashing).

He captured the WBC and WBO middleweight titles defeating Jermain Taylor (currently semi-retired) twice. The first encounter saw Pavlik dropped in the 2nd and saved by the ref's patience as he was struggling to recover but he showed true heart and come back with bombs of his own and he out blasted Taylor who then got his agreed re-match which was less exciting but a 12 round battle which went to Pavlik on all three score cards, so we had a new king in the middleweight division.

The problem is the division which was one of the greatest in the world of boxing is now one of weakest, this is by no means Pavliks fault but is going to damage his legacy. Remember the great duels of the 80's Duran vs Leonard, Hagler vs Hearns, Leonard vs Hagler ? Then the 90's Eubank vs Benn, Benn vs Mclellan, Eubank vs Collins, Benn vs Watson? And then into the 00's and we have Hopkins vs De La Hoya, Taylor vs Hopkins which then become Taylor vs Ouma, Taylor vs Spinks - these were beefed up welterweights not true exciting middleweights with the hunger and aggression to have fans standing up for 12 rounds excited as they never knew which way the fight was going to go.

Now Pavlik has had mixed fortunes since taking the titles, he stepped up for a big payday against Bernard Hopkins who gave him a boxing lesson and destroyed his unbeaten record, then came the the hand injury which put him out of action for 6 months and then he continued with 2 impressive victories over Marco Antonio Rubio (who quit on his stool) and then he whammed out Miguel Angel Espino inside 5 rounds last time out, so now he faces Argentinian Sergio Martinez in Atlantic City - no dis-respect to Martinez but he isn't of the same calibre as Pavlik and hasn't got the box office appeal which Pavlik rightly deserves.

Should Pavlik step up and gun for the likes Froch, Kessler, Dirrell, Ward, Pascal, Abraham and maybe earn some decent fight purses I don't know, what I do know is that Jermaine Taylor was the bright, undefeated champion who de-throned Bernard Hopkins (who was undefeated for 10 years as the middleweight emperor) and ended up fighting Corey Spinks and Kasim Ouma, both of who were very unlucky and had the crowd on their side by the final bell, (watch on youtube and listen to there reactions as the decisions are announced), this was really the start in the decline as then there was 2 middleweights dominating and when Pavlik beat Taylor there became only 1.
Pavliks other option is to be patient and fight mandatory defences and light-middleweights fighters stepping up, hoping that there becomes another hopeful with an army of fans and a decent record who can light up the middleweight division once again.

Sergio Martinez has said when interviewed -

"this is the fight of my life so I plan to take full advantage of it, I am a much better fighter than before and I am going to win by a knockout" - good luck with that as Pavlik is the knockout specialist and is the natural middleweight.

I predict Pavlik to win by KO before round 6.

Hatton has Retired

2010-03-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ricky Hatton is going to retire this week after months of in-decision. Finally though he has accepted he is finished in the ring and will start a new career as a promoter.

His father/manager Ray has set up a press conference for later this week were he will bow out in front of his fans, I expect this to be quite emotional for the 2 weight champion who will answer questions and discuss his decision to hang up his gloves for good.

I feel he has made the correct decision as I would of advised him to retire after the Mayweather defeat. He has had a very good career and made alot of money and become a fans favourite here in the UK, Europe and in America which is pretty unique for an English boxer but each time he has stepped up to the career defining fights he has been humiliated and quite frankly given a boxing lesson and on pay per view events which I guess having seen the way in which he let himself go so drastically down hill and upto about 15stone in weight I'd say he was heartbroken which still hasn't healed and has now prompted him to retire.

On the whole a very likable character and very good domestic champion but at the world stage he was spoon fed opponents and it showed when he stepped up in class as he couldn't cope physically or mentally with the demand of the welterweights.

Already making a name for himself as a promoter on the domestic scene I reckon he will do alright.

I do feel bad though for Juan Manuel Marquez who was looking forward to fighting Hatton later this year and cashing in big time as it would probably be a farewell fight for Hatton. He is now stuck between fighting a lightweight with a massive pay decrease compared to his last purse when he got a lesson off Floyd Mayweather Jr or facing 'Sugar' Shane Moseley knowing that he will get another boxing lesson.

We wish you all the best Ricky.

Pac-man for President?

2010-03-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last night saw a dominant Manny Pacquiao retain his WBO welterweight title in Dallas.
Did we expect anything less? Course we didnt, Clottey is no Moseley and is certainly no Mayweather Jr, I don't know why he took the fight, one night your talking super fight with Mayweather and the next morning your waking up agreeing to fight Clottey - something doesn't add up in my mind, but his record and his bank balance won't have been damaged even if his reputation has slightly.

Clottey was the bigger man and decided to fight very negatively behind his trademark 'peak-a-boo' defence and never looked like troubling the champion. He did manage to land some promising shots but doing so every few rounds, it was about surviving as opposed to winning.

Now I watched this fight with a few pals with some ice cold beers and after a few cold ones everyone watching the fight becomes a boxing expert and pundit, I believe Clottey's strategy was all wrong, he wasn't clever enough and the punches he did land did hurt Manny but his work rate was poor. He should of opened up a bit and thrown a few more combinations and worked Manny when he was in the corners and against the ropes, Clottey cut the ring off really well but when you can do that against someone like Pacquiao you have to inflict damage as well on them and its not that he couldn't, he just refused and that is why he isn't a champion.

Manny's accuracy was again top notch and round after round he flurried and landed some massive body shots that would stop most fighters, he was relentless but he did take some damage himself his face was marked and swollen by the final bell.

Manny again called Floyd out and I agree with him the world does want to see that fight but he needs to agree to Mayweather's drug testing regime before the fight, forget all the nonsense about having the same tests after the fight, this is going to earn you $50million and possibly be the greatest fight of all time.

Alexander the Great

2010-03-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

Devon Alexander destroyed Juan Urango and unified the WBC and IBF titles at Light-Welter in Connecticut.

Now I am probably the furthest thing from an actual Juan Urango fan, and his label of being the 'Iron Twin' (aimed at being the same as the great Mike Tyson) is something of a joke, he has very little agility and head movement so I'd be as kind as to say he is a lump and that any decent boxer could make him look daft but the uppercut he took off Alexander was a peach and would hurt the likes of Manny and Floyd but credit were credit is due Urango had only lost to Ricky Hatton and Andre Berto neither of which were great fights.

Alexander is a very likeable character, he isn't gobby or full of rants about god giving him a gift and he has an impressive 20 fight undefeated record.

I think he should mix it up with the likes of Marquez, Berto and would be a great farewell fight for Ricky Hatton if he was a bigger box office name but this will come.

I'd imagine Golden Boy will try and take Alexander to the next level in his career and put him on some Las Vegas fights. Patience is a virtue in boxing.

I'm gonna say it here first and if Amir Khan gets past Paulie Malignaggi (which I'm 99% sure he will) I would advise Golden Boy to get Khan and Alexander on before Christmas 2010 and have another unification fight.

In the meantime I would put Marquez in against Alexander, it is a little early for the young American he needs a few more rounds against proper competition before he gets to trade with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Whatever happens Devon Alexander will be a household name before the year is out.

Kirakosyan The Conqueror

2010-02-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

Friday Night saw Stokes Scott Lawtons attempt to become the European Super Featherweight champion come to an abrupt and embarrassing end after the Brittish hopeful was outclassed by the 36 yr old French based Armenian Leva Kirakosyan (who isn't a big name but watch on you tube his demolition job on Carl Johansson

Scott should have boxed on the back foot for the 6 rounds and as his 36yr old opponent tired he should of imposed his reach and size on him however it wasn't to be, he got his strategy all wrong and even looked nervous coming from his dressing room.

Lawton suffered a first round knockdown in which he never really recovered from, it wasn't the hardest of punches but landing flush on the face it must of knocked Lawtons senses for six, Kirakosyan sensed this and continued to apply pressure and then caught Lawton again with a mean hook, Lawton was lucky to survive the round. The interval really didn't provide any real recovery time for the man from Stoke and again he was sent out to a battle he knew he couldn't win. The second round started where the first left off and the ref intervened (really should of called it off) and ended up giving Lawton a standing 8 count after some accurate punches left him being supported fully by the ropes, Stevie wonder could of seen that Lawtons eyes were all over the shop floor and his legs were limp but he allowed the fight to continue, Lawton threw a few shots back here and there but they couldn't even ripple his gloves let alone hurt Kirakosyan who knew he was in the driving seat.

Round 3 started and Lawton come off his stool looking dis-heartened and dazed his head clearly hadn't cleared - no fighter wants to be pulled out of a title fight so early on but it was like putting a limp gazelle in a cage with a Bengal tiger - there was only going to be one winner. Lawton instead of boxing on the back foot he was consistently forced onto the ropes and after a barrage of punches from Kirakosyan he landed a devastating right which literally knocked Lawton senseless.

I think Scott its time to hang the gloves up mate, you have done what you can and you have failed in each time in trying to gain British, Commonwealth and now Euro titles.

Super Six - Super-Middleweights

2010-02-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

April 24th Herning Denmark hosts Carl Froch against Mikkel Kessler as part of the Super Six tournament and I have to say neither has impressed me so far.

Froch won a split decision over Andre Dirrell, I was gutted I watched it and wasted a good 2 hours of my life. Froch did his usual rock n sock while Dirrell jumped back and forth n boxed on the back foot, there was nothing super about this fight at all - oh and the Primetime coverage is pathetic but as none of the big broadcasters wanted to know I suppose we will have to put up with the Setanta rejects.

Any how were Froch bored us to death (and the did his trademark whingeing after the fight) the undefeated 'King' Arthur Abraham (Who I am tipping to win the Tournament) put on a cracking show and demolished Jermain Taylor (who has since retired from the tournament due to health issues).
Also former Olympian Andre Ward showed how he has matured and the way he outboxed and badly beat up the great Mikkel Kessler (who I wouldnt write off yet by the way), shows he means business in this tournament as both he and Andre Dirrell aren't big names outside the US at the moment.

Now Kessler suffered his 2nd career defeat to Andre Ward (1st defeat was to the great Joe Calzaghe - great fight watch on youtube or better yet buy the dvd), without being to harsh it wasn't the same Kessler in the ring his defence was to low too often and he lunged far to often when well out of range.

Mikkel Kessler has changed his trainer and is promising to deliver a performance to remember.
Carl Froch finally has stopped going on about fighting Calzaghe (never gonna happen - 1 your not in the same league, 2 you cant command a big enough purse and 3 that pathetic stunt you pulled when you rang him on national TV made you look a laughing stock). So now he has decided to have a whinge about the venue, its in Herning as opposed to Copenhagen (were Froch petitioned against so his 'army' of fans could travel and reach it easier). NEWSFLASH- Carl you are not Ricky Hatton and your 'army' of fans would struggle to fill my local pubs beer garden.

Last time out Froch was abysmal against Dirrell and got a split decision from a 12 round yawn fest, Kessler had a right battle with Ward which was great to watch but he got a dam good hiding.

Froch can punch no doubt in that, decent stamina and has a good chin but is very one dimensional, has that awful stance and virtually no head movement, could take a lot of damage.

Kessler, goes to fight and has speed and power on his side, does drop his guard when trying to land the bombs and in doing so gets countered a lot more than he should, fought better calibre opponents and stamina isn't an issue for this athlete.

I want to see Froch do well but as I am far from his biggest fan and so far he hasn't fought anyone near to the quality that Kessler has traded with I'm gonna be a little vague and say Froch might get a split decision but as a straight forward bets I'm going to go with a stoppage win for Kessler.

24th April Herning Denmark
Primetime (Sky 480)

Kevin Mitchell - What Next??

2010-02-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night Kevin Mitchell destroyed Ignacio Mendoza in 2 rounds. He looked a seasoned pro compared to the Kevin Mitchell that darted round the ring counter punching and throwing punches in bunches against Breidis Prescott a few months ago. This was brute force and aggression with accurate timing and precision, looked alot like a young Artura Gatti and I was impressed.

I have posted this late as I wanted to see and hear the facts not the fiction around Mitchells next fight. I heard Joel Casamayor then I heard Marcos Maidana and some people were even suggesting a domestic showdown with John Murray.

They say patience is a virtue and yes its right - Mitchell has been put on a pedestal and is now in line to fight Michael Katsidis for the WBO Lightweight title, this is confirmed all the fight is waiting upon is a venue and a date.
Frank Warren has done a good job in making this happen, not alot of people know that he originally wanted Amir Khan to fight Katsidis however politics and conflict of interests meant the fight ended up dead in the water. ( A bit like Khan and Warrens partnership).

Katsidis is a true warrior, he is great to watch and fans world wide love him, when he wins he is spectacular and if he loses its normally in a great fashion - usually an all out war (check on youtube Joel Casamayor vs Michael Katsidis and also Graham Earl vs Michael Katsidis - you will not be disappointed).
He is a little too forward for my liking and sometimes careless, in looking for a killer punch he gets caught easily and because he doesn't have much head movement he can suffer several heavy punches where clever and more coy fighters only risk being hit once.

How the fight will go-

Katsidis doesn't hug and neither does Mitchell, they both have good hand speed and both aren't afraid to trade, ring experience is definitely with Katsidis as he has fought the better calibre opponents and has learnt alot since the Casamayor defeat. Mitchell has youth and is a handful to fight as he can mix his styles and box on the back foot with confidence using his lightning counters, stamina could be an issue as Katsidis is relentless in his assault and has boxed far more professional rounds than Kevin and again against some of the worlds best fighters.

I expect a very good fight with what could possibly be a sudden finish from either fighter, it really is too close to call at this stage, if the fight was big enough to have a Mitchell / Katsidis 24-7 I would make a more accurate prediction but they aren't the biggest of names and neither is the fight in all honesty it could be a classic under card fight on a bigger bout (example Khan vs Malignaggi or Jones Jr vs Hopkins - I'm hoping its not a Friday night fight) but I cant see it headlining a late night show.

I'm gonna make a early prediction and go with a Katsidis stoppage late on as I think he has too much at this stage for Mitchell but I will continue my research and await details like all boxing guru's must and make a final decision when the fight details are released. I would like to see another English world champion, and I think Kevin Mitchell has what it takes to be good, I don't wanna risk my reputation by claiming Kevin as being great as he hasn't won me over yet but I want to see him prosper and come good.

Keep your eyes on PunchesInBunches for the fight release date.

Don't Get Cleverly!

2010-02-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

Nathan Cleverly become the European Light-Heavy champion on Saturday and boy did he do it in style beating the Italian Antonio Brancalion to a pulp.

I like this kid, he is honest and he can put on a great show and under the guidance of Frank Warren I'm gonna put all my faith on him dominating the world stage and with ease, even floating between weights.

I like his style as he has the perfect balance between fighting and boxing isn't afraid to get hit and loves to drop bombs. 6 stoppages on the bounce and I have the feeling there is no-one on the domestic scene that can touch him.

So the domestic scene is leagues behind the 23yr old student and seems like the European stage has nothing to offer him but a few easy fights with very little money so I'd say its time to venture to the world stage.

The light heavy's is a funny division currently each champ is happy and content earning decent wages sticking with fighting their own mandatory challengers, I wanna see Cleverly get stuck in there and if Warren can make a title shot happen sooner rather than later I'm sure he can set his sights on 'Bad' Chad Dawson who I think is the cream of a very shoddy crop should this not be an option then turn all attention to Jean Pascal who is very one dimensional and was outpointed at super-middleweight against Carl Froch after there 12 round slug-fest. The others are mere belt carriers than classy champions.

Now Nathan you have promised that once you graduate there is still another 25% of you that we have to see, I think that's a pretty honest comment but the minute you have thrown your graduation cap in the air and you spend a day recovering from a hangover you pick up your phone, dial Frank Warren up and get a world title shot, I don't wanna see you on Friday Fight Night fighting domestic has-beens.

Think of your fans and not your legacy.

Here's 4 fighters to think about I know I would gladly stay up til the early hours watching Cleverly mix it with -

'Bad' Chad Dawson

Kelly 'The Ghost' Pavlik

Carl ' The Cobra' Froch

Bernard 'The Executioner' Hopkins

Good Luck with the your exams Nathan

King Khan loose on New York

2010-02-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

I'm hearing this morning that Amir Khan is now sidestepping Marcos Maidana and looking towards a Madison Square showdown with Paulie Malignaggi on May 15th.

I think this is a smart move for his career and for his bank balance and picking to fight in New York and at the legendary arena against the home favourite is pure genius.

Now you might not agree with me here but I'd rather see Maidana vs Khan for his US debut and have it at the MGM in Vegas but Team Khan have clearly done their homework after I heard from a very reliable source that Juan Manuel Marquez declined the offer of a Vegas duel.

I respect Khan as a fighter and have even met him and his family after watching his destruction of Michael Gomez in Birmingham, he is a genuinely sound lad.

Going to the states is never easy just ask any homegrown fighter. Prince Naseem talked the talk and then got hammered off Barerra and didn't fight again, Calzaghe (did Ok in the end) didn't want to entertain the US hype until his latter stage of his career, Hatton went over and ended up with a lucky debut victory in Boston of all places and then got humiliated twice, Audley Harrison moved there and spent more time in the casino's than the ring, Clinton Woods got a lesson off Antonio Tarver. Khan is a natural talent, sure he got whammed-out off Breidis Prescott but he has bounced back and teamed up with Freddie Roach and Golden Boy and now if you ask me has a head start in cracking the States.

So lets say that Khan gets his way and the fight gets confirmed against Malignaggi, I'l certainly be watching but I won't be expecting anything other than a Khan KO. If Ricky Hatton wore down and performed very well against a over-hyped Malignaggi who in the end was so much of an embarrasment his trainer Buddy McGirt (who in my eyes is up there with Pepe Correa and Freddie Roach in the trainer ranks) pulled him out by throwing in the towel then I can see Khan doing a demolition job and leaving 'Magic' sprawled on the canvas within 6.

Come on Oscar and Lou and do what your paid so very hansomely for and sign the dotted line so the pride of Bolton can conquer America and in style starting with Paulie ' Magic' Malignaggi and in front of his home crowd at Madison Square Garden, New York.

Money talks so put your money on Khan by KO / TKO and if your made of money splash some cash on round 7, 8, 9 for Khan.

Keep your eyes open for figfht confirmation

Hopkins vs Jones Jr 2 - About Time?

2010-02-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

April 3rd Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, its seen some fights over the years and will see a fair few more in my lifetime but one that is sure to be a hit with the boxing fans of today and those that will have witnessed this certain encounter 17 years ago.

Both have been multi-weight titles, long and very successful careers and will no doubt be ruthless promoters once they hang their gloves up for good however only one has recorded a unanimous decision and back then become middleweight champion. Yes I'm talking about Roy Jones Jr, he did what very few people have been able to do and that was topple the executioner in style. Finally B-Hop gets to set the record straight, is patience a virtue or is timing his master plan - only Hopkins can answer that question truthfully.

Being totally honest both fighters needn't bother about setting the record straight and maybe most fans think the same as after all it was 17 yrs ago and since both have forged careers mixing it up with easy mandatory defences and then chasing the big pay per view pay cheques, Jones Jr against James Toney and Hopkins had the great duel with the one and only De La Hoya and both were significantly beaten by the great Joe Calzaghe (met his father by the way in Birmingham while he was in the cocky, over rated Bradley Pryce corner. Enzo only 5ft 5 but he screamed at me for suggesting Joe should fight Pavlik instead of Jones Jr- one for the grand kids I guess). Right back on track after the trip down memory lane -

So Jones beat the older Hopkins back in Washington 1993 and went on to become a 4 weight champion some will recall as the best they seen some think spoon fed opponents and as he wouldn't fight outside of America - he was protected, any how it made little different as Hopkins got a boxing lesson but went on to become middleweight king in the same period, due to attitude, ego's and so called 'boxing politics' they avoided each other until now.

Game on and the 2 are set to meet, Hopkins is 45 and coming off the back of victory last time out he punished a very poor Kelly Pavlik (who did agree to step up to light-heavy and since gone back down and been successful) where as Jones has suffered 5 defeats in his last 10 fights (including a 1st round knockout). Will this be revenge for Hopkins or will people see it as one fading star beating another no matter what the outcome is, we will have to wait and see.

If I was to put my money anywhere it would be heavily on Hopkins to win by KO/TKO before round 10, I have watched and listened closely to the Hopkins interviews and he is talking a good game ( as he always does) and alot more mature than the child like one he did when he fought Calzaghe but I want to know which ego he is taking into the ring on April 3rd - will it be B-Hop the 45 yr old man trying to be 30 again and emulating 'Money' Mayweather (inside failing but outside - trash talking succeeding) or will it be the Executioner who is direct and knows when to box and when to fight, very aggressive and very dangerous with his counter punching.

Remember to tune in and respond and let me know what you thought and if you bet -

April 3rd Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

Watch On Sky Sports.

Edwin Valero - Next big thing?

2010-02-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

The unbeaten Venezuelan stopped his 27th opponent in succession when Antonio DeMarco failed to answer the bell for the 10th round in his second title defence but who will he fight next?

Now Edwin Valero isn't a household name here in the UK and probably not over in states either but mark my words this guy is one hell of an athlete and a puncher and is soon to be fighting the big names of the lightweight and possibly light-welterweight divisions in the not too distant future.

I would of liked this guy to mix it with the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera or Juan Manuel Marquez, but one is well and truly over the hill and the other while still able to compete is chasing the big names in the welterweight division for the pay cheques, so for now Valero can concentrate on the lightweights and set his sights on unifying that division by conquering Paulus Moses (WBA) and Isaac Hlatshwayo (IBF) (Marquex is the WBO champ but I believe he will relinquish in order to meet Ricky Hatton or Amir Khan this summer).

Edwin Valero Fact -

On February 5, 2001, Valero was involved in a severe motorcycle accident in which he wasn't wearing a helmet. He fractured his skull and had surgery to remove a blood clot. This injury was sustained prior to him launching his pro career, and it has created roadblocks to major bodies sanctioning his fights. Valero claims that his Venezuelan doctor cleared him to fight on January 17, 2002, and he turned pro that July with a first-round KO.

Valero appeared to hit the jackpot when he was signed after his 12th pro fight by Golden Boy Promotions. Valero was scheduled to appear on HBO's Boxing After Dark, but in January 2004, he failed an MRI due to brain scan irregularities in New York and thus was not allowed to fight in the United States. As a result, the fight did not take place. He has continued to fight outside the US, and, as of March 25, 2008, Valero was cleared to box in the state of Texas.

Expect 2010 to be this mans year, I predict a division clear up and a unified champion. You heard it here first unless you been on holiday to Venezuela that is.....

David Haye - Iron Fist Glass Chin

2010-02-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

Now I'm all up for David Haye being the next unified and undisputed boxing champion and I believe he will be, but if your reading this Hayemaker I don't want you getting giddy as there are a few issues you need to address.

Firstly well done for dancing round Valuev for 12 rounds and landing the more accurate and telling shots and I don't care what that nugget Jim Watt said the last bomb you hit the freaky Russian with definitely had him in deep trouble, his legs went to jelly. Your strategy was spot on even if the fight was as boring as Jim Watts commentary. However all the slagging off of the Russian was a bit unnecessary, the guy owns a mirror so he doesn't need you to remind him of all his flaws, you don't need to be so personal, let your fists do the talking, people like charisma they don't like arrogance especially in a potential icon.

So Haye has the agility and the power but does he have the mentality to accept he has a glass chin and adapt his style to avoid being hit and bombed out. I watched the Mormeck fight were David captured the cruiser weight titles brilliantly but if he thinks Mormeck can punch and have him off his feet and taking an 8 count, then wonder what the Klitchsko's can do with an extra 4 stone behind each punch. Some say its not about how hard you can hit but how hard you can get hit, and look no further than Amir Khan - a 52 second hammering off Breidis Prescott put his career in reverse, he (with the masterclass of Freddie Roach) changed his plan and so adapted his style and he now boxes in flurry's getting in and out pronto landing shots from all angles and look what happened he took the WBA Light-Welterweight in style and defended it even better against Dimitri Salita. Obviously the heavyweight division is a lot different but the principal remains the same - you can't just win and keep winning because of a firing offence you to know when to cover up and protect your chin especially when its as weak as Hayes is.

Haye didn't have an electric start to his heavyweight profile, fighting Monte Barrett who was clearly a spoon fed fighter who didn't have the ability, speed or power to trouble the debutante Haye and surprisingly for a man of 23 stone and standing at 7ft tall Valuev punches like my 88 yr old gran.

So far his chin hasn't been tested, we all know what his guns can do but now its time to test his defence and mentality.

So bring on both Klitchsko's and Chagev and Peter and go on I'l chuck him in the mix Fraudley Harrison and show us that you can walk the walk as well as you talk the talk.

I expect and explosive career with both highs and lows on the horizon.

And David when you do become unified world champ don't go changing your name to something Islamic and don't be claiming your Jamaican.

April 3rd 2010 M.E.N Arena Manchester UK -

WBA World Title Fight

David Haye vs John Ruiz

Watch on Sky Sports

Who Can Hatton Fight - Be Serious

2010-02-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

I'm reading the news and watching sky sports and all this hype about Ricky Hatton fighting again makes me laugh out loud. Now I am not taking anything away from what he has done for boxing as an ambassador, but when it comes to the world stage he is the Frank Bruno of the light-welterweight division.

Now any plastic patriot will go on for hours on end about the Kosta Tyszu fight, OK he won the fight but lets put it realistically, this guy was in his 30's, not fought for 18 months and was asked to fight in Manchester at 2.30am, I'm no genius but sounds like a fix to me. Hatton wins everyone thinks he is the best thing since blue wkd.

Then he fights a few more has-beens, Castillo (who I might add had one of the greatest fights against the late great Diego Corrales years before when he was in his prime - Youtube fight1 and fight 2 its a must see) and wins in round 4 with a body shot, hmmmmmm let me continue, so then this sets up a super fight with Mayweather Jr and Ricky gets the chance of starring on Hatton/Mayweather 24-7 which lets face it Hatton talked the talk n didn't walk the walk. Undefeated was the bill and Ricky gets a boxing lesson (quote from the great Ian Darke "its like a tank trying to corner a wasp" good night team Hatton.

So what happens Hatton has a comeback fight in Manchester of all places and who does he pick, again I ask who does he pick Juan Lanzcano - The Hispanic Causing Panic, I ask you if the nickname doesn't state BUM then I don't know what will, Hatton punches and hugs for 12 rnds and again people think its the 2nd coming.

The Magic Mallignaggi with Mayweather Snr in his corner and I must admit I saw a different Hatton and he won brilliantly.

But like all good things, people take a good win and then start chatting Hatton could be next pound for pound king - give your heads a shake. So we end up with Hatton/Pacquiao 24-7 and it was fun watching Manny get whammed with bamboo ans it was interesting listening how crime stops in the Philippines when he fights but that was it really, there was no way Ricky could match Manny.

So everyone stays up in true fashion, drinking and partying and everyone becomes the best boxing trainer in the world when they have had a few but no1 could believe there eyes when Hatton gets put down in the first, and then again and the wait for it...wait for it... OH MY GOD the sweetest punch ever thrown leaves him on his back for must of felt like days for the poor Mancunian.

So he quits, gets fat, starts training and the world waits for the next Hatton fight which is promised to be a 'must see' fight.

Here are 4 fighters I would love Ricky Hatton to fight next -

Amir Khan - Now he isn't with Frank Warren, Hatton has no reason not to fight him.
Miguel Cotto
Shane Moseley
Andre Berto

Here are 4 fighters I would not bother watching fight Ricky Hatton but which are all possibles

Juan Manuel Marquez - Beefed up Welterweight
Juan Urango - Hatton beat him by hugging last time
Junior Whitter - He is a down n out too
Alfonso Gomez - Beat Gatti like Tyszu its his boxing claim to fame

Talk to me talk me now and tell me what the world wants from Ricky Hatton and his Team Hatton..........................................

Fight of The Century

2010-02-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

Its on, oh its on big time May 1st MGM Grand Las Vegas 2010 - brace your selves for what has all the makings for the fight of the century. The gentleman of boxing Sugar Shane Moseley vs the undefeated true pound for pound king of the ring Floyd 'Money' Mayweather Jr. Personally I'm torn between what the heart wants and what the head thinks, but with the mother of all contradicitons I want both men to win - weird or what??????????

I think Shane has the tools to beat Floyd and beat him well, but in saying that Floyd can take Shane back to school with quick sharp counter punching and better ring movement than the great Ali. This will be too tough to call nearly 3 months before they step into the squared circle.

I think this will be one of the great fights our generation will ever see. Shane agreed to the anti-doping tests something I admire seeing as it was not so long ago his 'performance enhancing past' was once used as a criticism against him by Mayweather who at first dismissed Moseley as a real challenge.

Maybe fate brought these two great fighters together and maybe the outcome of this great duel will certainly kill off any chance of Pacman vs Mayweather which is the fight everyone who has a ounce of boxing sense wants to see happen before they die. So this is a message to Pacman if you are so dam invincible why did you whinge and say giving blood makes you queasy, I think you were afraid of being made to look ordinary, anyhow whats Pacmans loss is Sugars gain and roll on May 1st.

Talk to me boxing fans, let me know your thoughts, don't sit on the fence - express and rant like Mike Tyson is at your door with his pet tiger can smell you steak and chips.